Can iodophor be used as a mouthwash for anti-inflammatory purposes?

Iodophor can generally be used for mouth rinsing to reduce inflammation.

Iodophor has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and can eliminate protozoa, fungi, and bacterial vegetative cells. In clinical practice, it is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic agent, suitable for disinfection of skin and mucous membranes, treatment of burns, or skin preparation before surgery or injections. If a patient has inflammation inside the oral cavity, iodophor mouth rinsing may also be considered. However, when using iodophor for mouth rinsing, patients should properly dilute the solution to prevent irritation of the oral mucosa caused by undiluted iodophor, which might lead to discomfort. Additionally, after rinsing with iodophor, patients can use normal saline to rinse the mouth, helping to alleviate any irritation to the throat area.

When using iodophor for mouth rinsing to reduce inflammation, patients must remember that iodophor is intended for external use only. It must not be swallowed orally, as ingestion may cause corrosive gastroenteritis symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and bloody stools. Also, care should be taken to avoid close contact with the eyes, preventing accidental exposure to the eyeball which could result in burns or injury.